Mr Morrison, SNP councillor for Kirkcaldy East, come under fire in August of this year when the Press discovered that he spent the majority of his time living and working in Austria.

Despite drawing a councillor’s salary of £16,234 in 2013/14 the councillor had only attended seven out of 47 committee meetings and was criticised by constituents who were unable to contact him.

When challenged Mr Morrison had told the Press: “My conscience is clear in that I do feel I’m doing a good job. “I feel I have been an effective councillor and have made a difference to my constituents.”

Despite the outcry Fife Council regulations meant that Mr Morrison hadn’t broken any rules; councillors are only required by law to attend one meeting in a six-month period.

Mr Morrison’s resignation means there will now by a by-election in his ward which could take place before Christmas.

Linda Bissett, Depute Returning Officer for Fife, said: “The resignation of Councillor Arthur Morrison means that there will be a by-election in the Kirkcaldy East Ward.